The second round of the CAF Champions League takes place this weekend, with Nigeria's elite clubs eager to bring home a third title for the west African nation. Heartland and Kano Pillars kick off Matchday 2 of the league competition against Monomotapa and Al Merreikh respectively.

The country, which is situated on the gulf of Guinea, is often seen as the African football destination with the most potential. However, despite Nigeria's wealth of talent, it has only twice produced a winner of the continent's top club competition in 40 years. But with two teams still left in this year's competition, the prospects of emulating the 2003 and 2004 successes of Enyimba are looking bright.

Kano Pillars made a positive start a fortnight ago in the opening match of the group competition, forcing a 1-1 draw with Zambia's Zesco United in Chililabombwe. Pillars now face a much tougher game with Sudan's Al Merreikh, regarded as one of the form sides in this year's event.

"We know that the games are going to be tough as we go forward and we have been working on that."
Monomotapa coach Rodwell Dhlakamaon on his team's chances in the CAF Champions League.

 

Saturday's match marks the reopening of the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, which has completed refurbishments designed for the hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009.

In Group B, Heartland suffered a 2-0 defeat in Congo DR, succumbing to TP Mazembe. Home advantage this weekend in Owerri over Monomotapa will give Kelechi Emetole's side a chance for their first points of the second round. The return to the squad of Zambian forward Sign Chimbambo has strengthened the team, but Heartland are still without John Oweri and Kabiru Alausa, who are currently on trial with European sides.

Monomotapa were surprise winners in their first group game, beating former African champions Etoile Sahel. If the Zimbabweans are to pull off another upset, this time away from home in the cauldron of Nigeria, coach Rodwell Dhlakama has admitted they will need to produce a stellar performance.

"We know that the games are going to be tough as we go forward and we have been working on that," he said as his team took the trip through Nairobi to Owerri for Sunday's match.

Etoile Sahel, in desperate need for a victory will host TP Mazembe in Tunisia on Saturday without the injured Souhalel Ben Radhia. Finally, Mazembe started their domestic league campaign last weekend with a 1-0 win over Dragons at home in Lubumbashi.